Search Results for agency_names:"Agency Information Collection Activities

The Department of Commerce is planning to submit an information collection request for the Annual Business Survey (ABS) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review. This survey aims to reduce the burden on businesses while gathering data on business characteristics, such as research and development, innovation, and demographics of business owners. The 2025 survey will include a reduced sample size and changes to the survey process to be more efficient, with data collected through an online questionnaire. This information will help various stakeholders, including government and business leaders, understand and assess business dynamics in the U.S.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has submitted a request to renew their authority to collect information regarding Experimental Use Permits (EUPs) for pesticides. This collection helps the EPA decide whether to issue EUPs, which allow pesticide companies to temporarily use pesticides for research purposes before registration. The request will be reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and public comments are invited until February 10, 2021. The renewal does not impact prior estimates of the time or costs involved, which anticipate 567 hours of effort from 31 respondents, at a total cost of $37,497.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has submitted a request to renew its SmartWay Transport Partnership program to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The program, under the Energy Policy Act of 2005, aims to improve energy efficiency and reduce air pollution in the freight industry. Public feedback is being invited for an additional 30 days, and the EPA will continue to collect information from organizations involved with SmartWay to monitor and enhance their environmental performance. The goal is to support freight companies and other related entities in lowering fuel consumption and improving air quality.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is seeking public feedback on a revision of information collection activities under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The information is needed to manage and protect national marine sanctuaries by evaluating permit applications for activities usually prohibited unless permitted. Changes include revising the permit application process and a reduction in the number of permits issued yearly. Comments can be submitted to NOAA's PRA officer, and are encouraged to focus on whether the information collection is necessary, accurate, and effectively minimizes reporting burdens.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is seeking public comments on its plan to continue collecting information for the National Driver Register (NDR). This register helps states exchange information about drivers who have had their licenses suspended or revoked or who have been convicted of severe driving offenses. All 50 states and the District of Columbia participate in this program, which is intended to improve traffic safety by keeping problem drivers off the roads. Comments on this proposal must be submitted by May 27, 2025.

The Department of Labor (DOL) is submitting an information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review, as per the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This request involves collecting data related to procedures for applying for exemptions from certain prohibited transaction provisions under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Public comments are invited on whether this information collection is necessary and how it might be improved or simplified. The proposed collection anticipates responses totaling 4,899, with an annual time burden estimated at 632 hours and additional costs of $551,422.

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is seeking public comments on the extension and revision of an existing information collection related to the Fastener Quality Act Insignia Recordal, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This initiative allows industrial fasteners to bear identifiable insignias, mandating manufacturers to register these with the USPTO to safeguard against counterfeit sales. Comments should be submitted by March 16, 2021, to help the agency assess the necessity and effectiveness of this information collection process.

The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) under the Interior Department is requesting public comments on a proposal to renew an information collection, as part of their efforts to reduce paperwork burdens. This notice is in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and the information collection focuses on the maintenance and evaluation of State programs in relation to federal enforcement. The public is invited to share their views on the necessity, accuracy, and methods of this information collection by February 10, 2025. Comments may impact how the OSMRE evaluates state programs and could influence federal involvement if certain requirements are unmet.

In this notice, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is requesting public comments on renewing an information collection related to its financial assistance programs, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act. The agency issues grants and cooperative awards to various entities under different programs, and seeks feedback on whether collecting this information is necessary, accurate, and efficient. The public is encouraged to submit their comments by March 31, 2025, and it’s noted that personal information included in these comments could be made publicly available.

The Census Bureau of the Department of Commerce is seeking public feedback on a proposal for reinstating the Government Units Survey (GUS) with some changes. This survey aims to collect updated information from townships and special district governments to help the Census of Governments (CoG) achieve its goals. The Bureau is reducing the scope of the questions compared to the 2021 survey and will primarily use the internet for data collection, although alternative methods will be available for those who can't use the web. The survey is voluntary, and comments are invited until April 21, 2025.